(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago's welcoming city ordinances for migrants will stay on the books as written – after City Council members rejected a move to force a debate on potential changes.
Two aldermen tried to use a maneuver to bring up a long-tabled proposal to relax the city's laws banning police from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
By a wide margin, the city council voted to block even a vote on Alderman Raymond Lopez's (15th Ward) ordinance that would have directed police to cooperate with federal immigration agents trying to deport undocumented immigrants charged with a crime.
“I'm incredibly disappointed by all of my colleagues who didn't even want to continue the conversation today.” Lopez said.
The maneuver took place despite claims that changing the ordinances could help curry favor with the incoming Trump Administration.
After Wednesday's meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters at City Hall that Lopez’s proposal violates state law.
“We intend to follow the law and remain in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act, and more importantly, we intend to stand by and protect Chicago's immigrant communities against threats from ICE,” Johnson said.
The mayor said the city will continue to stand with migrants.
“In the next 4 years it's important – more important, in fact, than ever that Chicago remain a haven for people from around the globe. They have to feel safe, free and empowered to start their new life in our beloved nation.”
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